Fort Erie Leisureplex Recreation Programs and Facilities Guide
What Can You Do at the Fort Erie Leisureplex?
This post covers everything you need to know about the Fort Erie Leisureplex — the town's main recreation hub. Whether you're looking to join a fitness class, register your kids for swimming lessons, book ice time, or simply figure out when the facility is open, you'll find the details here. The Leisureplex sits at the heart of our community's active lifestyle, and knowing what's available helps you make the most of what Fort Erie offers.
The Fort Erie Leisureplex isn't just a gym. It's a multi-purpose facility on Garrison Road that serves residents from across town — from the waterfront neighbourhoods near the Peace Bridge to the newer subdivisions in the north end. You don't need to be an athlete to use it. The programs cater to seniors, families, teens, and everyone in between.
What Programs Does the Fort Erie Leisureplex Offer?
The Leisureplex runs year-round programming across several categories. Aquatics, fitness, and ice sports form the backbone of what's available, with seasonal additions filling out the calendar.
Swimming and Aquatics
The indoor pool at the Fort Erie Leisureplex operates on a structured schedule that rotates between lane swimming, public swims, and registered lessons. Red Cross swim programs run for preschoolers through to adults, with lifeguard certification courses offered several times per year. The pool depth ranges from shallow entry (zero-depth) to 5 metres in the diving well, accommodating everything from water walking to board diving.
Public swim times shift with the seasons — more family swims on weekends during the school year, extended hours through July and August. You can check the current schedule on the Town of Fort Erie recreation page.
Fitness Classes and Gym Access
The fitness centre includes cardio equipment, free weights, and selectorized machines. Memberships cover unlimited gym access during operating hours, though the space can get busy right after work — typical for a town this size with one main facility.
Group fitness classes run mornings and evenings. You'll find options ranging from low-impact classes suitable for seniors to higher-intensity interval training. The schedule rotates quarterly, so what's offered in January might differ from July. Drop-in rates apply if you're not ready to commit to a membership.
Ice Programs and Rink Rentals
The twin-pad arena hosts hockey leagues, figure skating clubs, and public skating sessions. The Fort Erie Meteors (junior hockey) call the Leisureplex home, and their schedule affects ice availability throughout the winter. Shinny hockey runs on designated mornings — you'll need a helmet and your own equipment.
Rink rentals are available for private functions, though weekend evening slots book up months in advance. Birthday party packages include ice time, a party room, and skate rentals for guests. It's a popular option in Fort Erie — the catch? You'll want to reserve at least 8-12 weeks ahead for Saturday afternoons.
What Are the Membership Options and Fees?
Pricing at the Fort Erie Leisureplex follows a tiered structure. Residents pay less than non-residents (though most users are local), and seniors, youth, and families receive discounted rates. Here's how the options break down:
| Membership Type | Annual Fee (Resident) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (18-59) | $420 | Gym access, public swims, public skates |
| Senior (60+) | $320 | Gym access, public swims, public skates, senior-specific programming |
| Youth (13-17) | $280 | Gym access, public swims, public skates |
| Family (2 adults + dependents) | $780 | Full facility access for all family members |
| Pool Only | $280 | All aquatics programming, no gym or ice access |
Day passes run $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and youth. The thing about membership — it pays for itself if you visit more than twice a week. Drop-in fitness classes cost extra unless you buy a class pass (10 classes for $90).
Registration for most programs happens through the town's online portal or in-person at the Leisureplex front desk. Popular programs (swim lessons, shinny hockey) fill fast. Worth noting: registration for fall programs typically opens in mid-August, winter programs in November, and spring/summer in March. Mark those dates if you want a spot.
What Other Facilities Are Available?
Beyond the main attractions, the Fort Erie Leisureplex houses several smaller amenities that round out the offering.
Community Rooms and Event Spaces
Three multi-purpose rooms accommodate meetings, birthday parties, and community gatherings. The largest holds about 80 people seated — fine for a modest wedding reception or a community association AGM. Kitchen facilities are basic (fridge, microwave, sink, counter space), so cater accordingly. Room rental rates start around $40/hour for non-profit groups, higher for private events.
Walking Track
An indoor walking track overlooks the ice pads — 150 metres per lap, climate-controlled, open during facility hours. It's free with membership or a day pass. Seniors use it heavily in winter months (no ice to worry about), and parents with strollers appreciate having somewhere to move while older kids are at skating lessons.
Youth Programming
The Youth Action Centre operates out of the Leisureplex, offering drop-in space for teens alongside structured programs — cooking classes, art workshops, leadership development. It's an underutilized resource in Fort Erie. Hours vary by season, but weekday afternoons (3-6 PM) and some evening programming run consistently.
What Else Should You Know About Using the Fort Erie Leisureplex?
A few practical details make visits smoother.
Location and Parking: The facility sits at 3 Municipal Centre Drive, just off Garrison Road near the intersection with Gilmore Road. Surface parking surrounds the building — usually adequate, though hockey tournament weekends can fill the lot. Accessible parking spots sit close to the main entrance.
What to Bring: For swimming, bring your own lock (the Leisureplex doesn't provide them) and a towel. Lockers are available in the change rooms. For the gym, clean indoor shoes are required — they'll ask you to change if you walk in with outdoor footwear. For skating, helmet rentals are available, though regular users eventually buy their own.
Hours of Operation: The building opens early (6 AM on weekdays) and closes late (10 PM most nights), but specific amenities have narrower windows. The pool closes for maintenance one morning per week. The gym operates on reduced hours Sundays and holidays. Always check the current schedule before making a special trip — the Town of Fort Erie website posts updates.
Accessibility Considerations
The Fort Erie Leisureplex meets AODA standards. Wheelchair-accessible change rooms, pool lifts, and automatic doors throughout. The walking track is level and barrier-free. Staff receive training in accessibility support, though calling ahead for specific accommodations (pool lift assistance, for example) ensures smoother service.
How Does the Fort Erie Leisureplex Compare to Other Options?
Fort Erie residents have limited recreation alternatives within town limits. The Leisureplex dominates for indoor programming. That said, some options exist:
- Crystal Beach Community Centre — seasonal programming, outdoor focus, limited winter hours. Good for summer camps and outdoor fitness, not a substitute for year-round facilities.
- Private Gyms — Snap Fitness and independent studios operate in Fort Erie. These offer more flexible hours and specialized equipment but lack the pool, ice, and community programming the Leisureplex provides.
- Nearby Municipal Facilities — Port Colborne's Wellness Centre and Niagara Falls' Canada Games Park offer comparable amenities. Worth the drive if the Leisureplex doesn't have what you need — though as a Fort Erie resident, you're paying taxes to support your local facility.
For families with multiple interests (a parent who swims, a child in hockey, another in gymnastics), the Leisureplex membership offers value that private gyms can't match. The convenience of one location, one membership, and programming that spans age groups keeps most local residents coming back.
Getting Involved Beyond Membership
The Fort Erie Leisureplex relies on community input for programming decisions. The town conducts recreation surveys periodically — worth filling out if you've got opinions on what should be offered. User groups (hockey associations, swim clubs, fitness instructors) shape the schedule through ongoing dialogue with recreation staff.
Volunteer opportunities exist for older teens and adults — helping with special events, assisting at registration desks, supporting inclusion programs. It's a way to reduce membership costs (some volunteers receive credits) while staying connected to what's happening in Fort Erie.
The facility isn't perfect — aging infrastructure, peak-time crowding, and occasional equipment downtime frustrate regular users. But for a community of 30,000 people, the Fort Erie Leisureplex delivers substantial value. Most residents who commit to using it find the membership pays for itself in access alone, never mind the community connections formed through shared activity.